On Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at about 2:10 p.m., detectives from the Northern York County Regional Police Department, aided by the York County Sheriff’s Department, were executing warrants tied to a stalking and domestic violence investigation at a farmhouse in North Codorus Township.
The location was a home on Haar Road, where an ex‑girlfriend of the suspect had reported suspicious activity. The previous night, a trail camera had captured images of a man — later identified as Matthew James Ruth, 24 — wearing camouflage, looking through a scope‑like device, and appearing armed near the residence. horities obtained misdemeanor warrants for stalking, loitering, criminal trespass, and prowling at night.
How the Shootout Unfolded
When the officers arrived at the home on Wednesday afternoon:
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They found the front door unlocked, although the ex‑girlfriend and her mother had previously locked it before they fled for safety
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Four plainclothes detectives wearing bulletproof vests entered through the front door. As soon as they did, the suspect opened fire with an AR‑15–style rifle equipped with a suppressor. The initial volley came immediately as the door was opened. Three detectives were killed during that first burst of shots. Another detective and a York County sheriff’s deputy were also wounded.
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A gunfight then continued outside between the suspect and law enforcement, involving the wounded deputy and another detective. The suspect was ultimately shot and killed by officers.
It lasted a couple of minutes from the initial breach to the end of the shootout, according to officials. The entire episode was described as an ambush.
The Fallen Officers
District Attorney Tim Barker officially identified the following three detectives, all members of the Northern York County Regional Police Department, as having been killed in the line of duty in this shootout:
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Detective Sergeant Cody Becker
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Detective Isaiah Emenheiser
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Detective Mark Baker
Collectively, they had decades of experience: Becker had served about 16 years, Baker about 21 years (including time prior in Philadelphia), and Emenheiser around 20 years
The Suspect & Context
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The shooter was identified as Matthew James Ruth, 24, from Hanover, Pennsylvania.
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The incident stemmed from stalking and domestic‑violence related behavior. The suspect had allegedly set the ex‑girlfriend’s truck on fire in August, had been seen on trail cameras peering into the residence with what appeared to be a scope, wearing camouflage, and with a rifle.
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Charges filed included stalking, loitering, criminal trespass, and prowling at night.
Aftermath & Reactions
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The department’s chief, David Lash, described Becker, Emenheiser, and Baker as men who “represented the best of policing… with professionalism, dedication, and courage.”
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The York County District Attorney asserted that all law enforcement actions during the events were justified and necessary.
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The community response has included profound grief, vigils, and wide praise for the fallen detectives.
Significance and Reflections
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This has been described as one of the deadliest days for Pennsylvania law enforcement in recent memory.
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It underscores the risk law enforcement faces when responding to domestic violence and stalking calls, especially when the suspect is armed and has been surveilling or preparing.
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There are open questions still under investigation: exactly where the suspect was positioned, whether all procedures could have been different (though officials have said the officers’ actions were justified), and what warning signs might have been missed or prevented.
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